Objective. To investigate the occurrence of clinical, psychosocial and behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular di seases (C VD) among reindeer herding (RS) and non-reindeer herding Sami (NRS). Study Design. A retrospective cohort study, comparing risk factors behind C VD between Sami and non-Sami, RS and NRS, and Sami men and w omen. Methods. A cohort of 611 Swedish Sami (276 men and 335 w omen) was constructed from national population registers. A twice as large control co- hort of non-Sami was created, matched by age, gender and area of residence. Information on risk factors was obtained from a database containing clinical and psychosocial-behavioural data from a regional C VD preventive programme for the period 1990-2001. Results. The Sami and thenon-Sa- mi showed similar risk factor patterns. The main differences were related to working conditions and lifestyle factors of the RS. The RS men had lower blood pressure, were more physically active and had higher job demand and decision latitude. The RS w omen showed more negative scores on the in- dices of the job strain model. Conclusions. Previously reported differences in C VD mortality between Sami and non-Sami, and Sami men and w omen, can only partly be explained by different exposure to the psychosocial and behaviour risk factors investigated in this study.